iPhone 13 Turns Off and On by Itself: Fixes

If your iPhone 13 is turning off and on by itself, the fix usually involves updating iOS, checking battery health, or resetting system settings. This guide walks through the most likely causes and the steps to resolve them, from software glitches to hardware issues.

Why Does an iPhone 13 Randomly Restart?

Random restarts on iPhone 13 models are often caused by software bugs, especially after a major iOS update. Other common triggers include a failing battery, a corrupted settings file, or an overheating issue. In rare cases, a hardware fault in the logic board or a component like the charging port can cause a boot loop.

When the phone restarts, it may appear to turn off and on quickly. You might see the Apple logo appear for a few seconds, or the screen may go black and then return to the lock screen. If the restarts happen during heavy use, like gaming or video recording, overheating could be the culprit.

Check Your iOS Version and Update

Apple regularly releases iOS updates that fix known bugs, including those that cause random restarts. An outdated iOS can have compatibility issues with apps or system services, leading to crashes and reboots.

Open Settings > General > Software Update.
If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
Make sure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and has at least 50% battery, or is plugged in.

After updating, use the phone for a few hours to see if the restarts stop. If the problem persists, move on to the next steps.

Review Battery Health

Battery health directly affects device stability. When a battery can no longer deliver peak power, the phone may shut down to protect components, then restart when power is restored. This is especially common on older iPhone 13 units.

Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
Check Maximum Capacity. If it is below 80%, the battery is significantly degraded.
Look at Peak Performance Capability. If it says your iPhone experienced an unexpected shutdown, the battery may need service.

If the battery health is poor, consider replacing the battery at an Apple Store or authorized service provider. A new battery often resolves random restarts.

Reset All Settings (Not Your Data)

Corrupted settings, such as network configurations or display preferences, can cause system instability. Resetting all settings does not delete your personal data, but it does reset Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, and accessibility preferences.

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Tap Reset > Reset All Settings.
Enter your passcode and confirm.

After the reset, you will need to reconnect to Wi-Fi and reconfigure some settings. This often clears the glitch causing the restarts.

Restore Your iPhone via Computer

If resetting settings doesn’t help, a full restore via a computer is the next step. This reinstalls iOS completely, which can fix deeper system corruption. You can restore from a backup afterward, but if the backup is corrupted, the problem may return.

Connect your iPhone to a computer with the latest version of Finder (macOS) or iTunes (Windows).
Put your iPhone in recovery mode: press and quickly release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
On the computer, choose Restore when prompted.

This erases the device and installs the latest iOS. After the restore, set up as new or restore from a backup. If the restarts stop, the issue was software-related.

Check for Overheating and Physical Damage

Extreme temperatures can cause an iPhone to shut down to protect internal components. If you use your phone in direct sunlight or in a hot car, it may restart. Also, physical damage from a drop or liquid exposure can cause intermittent hardware failures.

Let the phone cool down to room temperature before using it again.
Remove a thick case that might trap heat.
Inspect the device for cracks, dents, or signs of liquid damage (like a red Liquid Contact Indicator in the SIM slot).

If you suspect hardware damage, contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider. They can run diagnostics to identify the faulty component.

When to Contact Apple Support

If you have tried all the above steps and your iPhone 13 still restarts randomly, it may be a hardware issue that requires professional repair. Apple offers free diagnostics at their stores or through online support.

Before you contact them, back up your data and note when the restarts occur. This information helps technicians diagnose the problem faster. If your iPhone is still under warranty or AppleCare+, the repair may be covered at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset fix random restarts?

Often, yes. A factory reset (Erase All Content and Settings) clears all data and settings, which can remove corrupted files that cause restarts. However, if the problem is hardware-related, a reset won’t help.

Can a failing battery cause the iPhone to turn off and on?

Yes. When a battery cannot supply consistent power, the phone may shut down even with a charge remaining. After shutting down, it may restart once the voltage stabilizes. Checking battery health is a key step.

Does iOS 17 cause random restarts on iPhone 13?

Some users have reported random restarts after updating to iOS 17, but Apple has released subsequent updates to address bugs. Always update to the latest iOS version, as it includes fixes for known issues.

How do I force restart my iPhone 13?

Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. This is a soft reset that can help if the phone is unresponsive.

Is there a way to see crash logs to diagnose the issue?

Yes. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements > Analytics Data. Look for logs that begin with “JetsamEvent” or “panic-full”. These indicate memory or hardware issues, respectively. Sharing these logs with Apple Support can help.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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